Notes & News
Editorial Feature
The next generation of makers, designers and craftspeople are preparing to share their work with the world.
During a recent visit to Hereford College of Arts, I explored work from graduating students across BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing, Contemporary Design Crafts, Jewellery Design and Textile Design. Together, the exhibition offered a fascinating insight into the future of making, showcasing not only exceptional craftsmanship but also the confidence, curiosity and ambition of the students behind the work.
While every graduate brought their own perspective and approach, several themes emerged throughout the exhibition.
One of the first things that struck me was how commercially aware many of the students already are.
Alongside the creativity and craftsmanship on display was a clear understanding that making beautiful work is only part of the story. Many students had professionally photographed work, business cards and thoughtfully considered branding. Some had developed packaging for their collections, while others were asking my opinion on pricing, commissions and future plans for exhibiting or selling their work.
It prompted me to reflect on how different things were when I attended arts college in the (I’ll whisper this) 1990s. Back then, access to examples of successful creative businesses was far more limited. Today, students are constantly exposed to independent brands, makers and creative entrepreneurs through social media and digital platforms. Packaging, photography, storytelling and marketing are no longer distant concepts reserved for established companies. They are part of everyday creative life.
This commercial awareness did not appear to come at the expense of creativity. Instead, many students seemed to recognise that achieving high quality and mastering their craft is their priority.
Another observation was the remarkable level of experimentation visible throughout the exhibition.
Degree shows offer a rare glimpse of what happens when creativity is given room to truly breathe. While material costs inevitably place limits on what can be explored, students still have the opportunity to pursue ideas wherever their curiosity takes them.
Throughout the exhibition I encountered materials used in unexpected ways, familiar processes reimagined, and objects that challenged assumptions about what particular materials could do, especially on the Blacksmithing course. Some of the most memorable pieces emerged not from following established paths, but from a willingness to test, question and explore.
For many artisans who sell their work, time is often the most limited resource. Alongside production, marketing and admin, experimentation can sometimes become a luxury. Visiting the degree show reminded me how valuable protected creative time can be.
Perhaps most encouraging of all was not just the strength of practical craft skills on display, but the mindset that had developed alongside them.
Across all courses, the students demonstrated a commitment to learning their disciplines through making. Their work revealed countless hours spent refining techniques, solving problems and developing an understanding of materials through direct experience.
During my conversations with students, a theme emerged. Things do not always go to plan. Materials behave unexpectedly, techniques fail, ideas evolve and sometimes an entirely new direction emerges from an unsuccessful experiment.
How matter-of-factly these experiences were discussed. There was no sense of frustration or disappointment when students spoke about how their work evolved. Instead there was an acceptance that trial and error is simply part of the creative process, and an excitement for the possibilities.
In many ways this may be one of the greatest strengths of a creative education. Learning a craft is also learning to adapt, persevere and remain curious when outcomes are uncertain. These are qualities that extend far beyond the workshop or studio.
For readers interested in discovering the stories behind the beautiful work featured in this year’s exhibition, hover or tap over the images above to see the student names. Hereford College of Arts has published an online showcase featuring the full year group and their work with links to follow or contact the students.
I would encourage you to explore it and seek out the makers who interest you. There is an extraordinary amount of talent waiting to be discovered.
Lyndsey
The Artisan Founder Sunday Newsletter
Notes & News
Notes & News
